Australia: Comebackers look likes ones to beat in handicap at Cranbourne

A trio of 3-year-olds who have not raced in several months are expected to dominate the betting in a five-furlong handicap at Cranbourne Racecourse on Thursday.

Yulong Phelps, who was 8-5 in early betting Tuesday, has not started since a comprehensive win in his debut in a maiden race at 4 3/4 furlongs at Swan Hill Racecourse last October. Trained by Danny O’Brien, Yulong Phelps was always near the front in that short race and pulled clear by 3 1/4 lengths, a solid margin.

The fact Yulong Phelps won his debut so convincingly suggests the colt has every chance to be ready for a top effort in this field.

Hydro Star won his debut at Sandown Racecourse in Melbourne in July 2020, but was beaten in four subsequent starts from August 2020 to March of this year. Hydro Star, who runs from off the pace, was ninth by 5 1/4 lengths in a six-furlong handicap at Sandown in March, his most recent start. This is a fairly significant drop in class from what Hydro Star faced at Sandown and other tracks in Melbourne during the losing streak.

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Queen Ryker, one of three fillies or mares in this 11-race field, won a maiden race at 5 1/2 furlongs at Colac Racecourse in February in her seventh career start and most recent outing. Queen Ryker was second by three-quarters of a length in her two previous starts in December and early February.

In all of those races, Queen Ryker raced near the front. She could face some pressure in this field from Trotsie, who led throughout a handicap against lesser rivals at 5 1/2 furlongs at Werribee Racecourse on June 27, and Izzy Good, winner of a handicap also against a lower class at five furlongs at Moe Racecourse on July 17.

Cranbourne has a 10-race program, beginning at 10 p.m. Eastern, or 7 p.m. Pacific, on Wednesday. Wagering is available through DRFBets.com.